in an interview with oprah. will he reverse course after a decade of denial? ♪ ain't no mountain high enough ♪ and what a special morning here on "gma." there's robin right there. she's been with us in spirit every day of her 4 1/2-month recovery. now, she's joining us live with a real headline. she's calling it miracle monday. ♪ ain't no mountain high enough ain't no valley low enough ♪ and good morning, america. let me turn over here and say, hello, robin. so nice to really see you. [ applause ] i see that smile. you have been waiting 138 days to say this. so go for it. >> good morning, america! >> yeah! >> you see it in the smile. robin has some great news to

share with us. her doctors are here as well. we'll have all that in just a little bit. >> she looks fantastic. robin. >> awesome, awesome. >> so much more with her later on in the show. but let's get right to lara spencer, who has been out in hollywood with all the headlines from the golden globes. a night of surprises on so many levels. and lara, you have been talking all night long with the stars who are grabbing the gold. hey. >> hey, good morning, everybody. first, let me just say how great is it to see robin roberts. that was phenomenal. good morning, indeed. and what a night. what a night. tina fey and amy poehler given perfect 10s by the stars, including rq. it was their first outing as hosts of the golden globes. and they nailed it. a night of big wins for adele, anne hathaway, jessica chastain, and more. take a look. >> oh, my god!

>> okay. >> reporter: it was all about leading ladies. >> harvey, thank you for killing whoever you had to kill to get me up here today. >> reporter: lots of laughs. >> meryl streep is not here tonight. she has the flu. i hear she's amazing in it. >> reporter: and -- >> "les miserables." >> reporter: at the 70th anniversary golden globes. the silver screen remake of broadway's "les mis," taking home three statues. including best musical. anne hathaway dreamed a dream and won as best supporting actress. >> thank you for this lovely blunt object. >> reporter: her co-star, hugh jackman, won for best actor. cheers to "les mis." >> baby, thank you, for always being right. >> reporter: among the surprises of the night, ben affleck accepting best director for "argo." >> i truly to god never thought i would be in the same breath as them.

>> reporter: meanwhile, one of the most nominated films at next month's academy awards, "lincoln ,"may have been introduced by a special guest -- >> that was hillary clinton's husband. >> reporter: -- but it only took home one golden globe. for best dramatic actor. are the stories true that you just stayed in character for months on end? >> some of them might be. some of them might not. i don't know. >> reporter: we saw pictures of you at a sandwich shop. >> probably the only time in four months i allowed myself to go out of the house. >> reporter: did you stay in character? even when you're ordering your sandwich. >> reporter: still, the biggest bombshell of the night from jodie foster, accepting a lifetime achievement award. >> i am single. >> reporter: she spoke candidly about her private life. coming out publicly. >> i'm told that every celebrity is expected to honor the details of their private life.

with a press conference, a fragrance and a primetime reality show. there is no way i could stand here without acknowledging one of the deepest partners in life. many my ex-partner. thank you, cyd. >> reporter: it was a speech that awed the crowd. >> tonight, we're going home with jodie foster. >> reporter: such an amazing night. everybody agrees, there's something magic in the air. coming up, we'll talk fashion. i have a very fun interview with none other than adele. elizabeth? >> i can't wait for that. getting back to the jodie foster moment. i watched from home. i remember e-mailing you last night saying, holy cow, we have to do something on it. it was the most moving speech. >> it was brilliant and it was really real. >> and honest. pretty incredible. it was chilly out in l.a. last night. unseasonable weather, sam, on both coasts.

record highs and lows. by the way, welcome back. >> welcome back to you, too. >> it's nice to be back. i'm so glad to be on the warm side of what we're about to show you. because, out west, it's been crazy. when you see icicles like this, okay, maine. all right, vermont. this is scottsdale, arizona. look at the trees. then, look at this. look at the jet stream. this unusual position with a giant dip. you should see it down here. allowing colder air all across the planet. but we have more than 300 record-high temperatures on the east coast and then all of cold air to the west, makes the january images jarring. it looks like a map flip this morning. below freezing temperatures in the usually warmer west. west.while in the east coast, surging record highs. sandwiched in between, a weekend of severe storms. in tennessee, strong winds tore through this man's house. >> it had to be. >> reporter: the worst part of the crisscrossed weather is along the california coast.

a mass of arctic air has driven temperatures down so far that frost is threatening the $1.5 billion citrus crop. on san diego beaches, wrapping up in winter coats. >> we're coming from chicago, illinois. i was hoping to have a break from the cold weather there. not turning out that way. >> reporter: in thermal california, residents needed a thermal layer. the desert town of thermal reached a low of 20 degrees. a record. at this resort in scottsdale, arizona, icicles on a fountain. but in the eastern half of the country, people shedding their coats for shorts. >> i like to get outside as much as possible. >> reporter: in eight states in the southeast, temperatures reached the 80s sunday. >> i'm a skier, so i'm a little disappointed by it. >> reporter: as someone who just

got back from vegas, i can tell you, it's jarring when the temperatures are in the 30s in that area. slowly, the cold air moves to the east. we'll talk more about that in the next half hour. george? elizabeth? josh? >> thank you, sam. >> welcome back. >> and josh? we begin with lance armstrong. he's speaking up this morning, ahead now of the big interview with oprah winfrey today. once one of the most revered athletes ever is now expected to admit to blood doping and the use of performance-enhancing drugs. abc's neal karlinsky has followed this story from day one. so, neal, what exactly is neal saying? what are we expecting to hear today? >> reporter: we expect a confession. sources close to armstrong say we can expect to see his human side. they say that he'll speak openly, honestly, and directly with oprah, but likely only offer a limited confession. we know for instance, he has a standing offer on the table with the u.s. anti-doping agency that could reduce his lifetime ban to just about eight

years or less even now, if he comes clean and names names. so far, he's not taken them up on that offer. >> so, neal, from the perspective of armstrong's camp, lot of questions about, what is to be gained and lost here? >> reporter: the stakes are huge for armstrong. there are at least three civil suits that could cost him tens of millions of dollars. he's been under oath denying that he used performance-enhancing drugs. he's likely outlasted perjury charges there. criminal investigators have been interested. they'll be watching. he needs to keep himself out of more trouble and at the same time, get back some sympathy and rebuild his reputation. >> thank you, neal karlinsky. meanwhile, president obama has revealed that u.s. forces assisted the french in a botched rescue attempt of a hostage in somalia. combat aircraft briefly entered

somali air space friday but did not fire weapons. the french intelligent agent was apparently killed in the raid, along with a french soldier. and the u.s. is also considering whether to help the french now in their bombing campaign against al qaeda fighters in western africa. gas prices climbing again. a new survey out this morning, shows that it rose seven cents in the last week. the national average is $3.30. take a look at this -- dramatic scenes here in new york. police officers teaming up to lift a nearly 4,000-pound taxi off a pedestrian that was hit while crossing the street. it took about dozen officers, but finally they got him free. one witness said the man was running from police when struck by the taxi. at last check, the man was in critical condition. and finally, some big news

from buckingham palace, the first baby due in july for william and kate. and kate's condition is improving. there was no mention of twins, perhaps putting that to rest. the duchess of cambridge was hospitalized early in her pregnancy for acute morning sickness. a july baby means she's a cancer. and elizabeth, do hear many good things about those types of folks. >> yes, there are many nice things about cancers, thank you so much, josh. let's turn now to dr. rich besser. the headlines on the record-breaking flu season are big. new york is the latest state to declare a public health emergency. 47 states are now reporting widespread outbreaks. chief health and medical editor dr. richard besser joins us. is it peaking and starting to go back down yet? or, are we still own the upswing? >> it depends where you are, what you're seeing. the latest data, this is new from the cdc, in the areas hit earliest and hardest, the south,

it may have peaked. it may be starting to come down. but, if you look at this map, california is just on the rise. what they reported just on friday is that their numbers are coming up and they're coming up sharply. they'll see the big rise. >> in history, california is one of the last states to get hit by the flu, curiously enough. but two states, new york and massachusetts, have declared public health emergencies so that pharmacists can administer vaccines. people, though, are having a hard time finding them. >> most doses have been distributed. you may have to look a little harder. this is one of those years that people that have never gotten the flu shot are running out to get it. if you go to flu.gov, it can tell you where it may be available. >> and very quickly -- don't get fooled into thinking

the season is halfway over, i don't need it. there are three strains of flue. you should get the vaccine. >> you can get it twice. you can get it twice. there may be six weeks more of the flu season. >> so get it. thank you, rich besser. important advice. we're going to turn now to the debate over gun violence one month after sandy hook. the parents of ana marquez greene are with us for an announcement later today. first, here's jon karl with the measures vice president biden is set to announce tomorrow. jon, good morning. >> reporter: good morning, george. vice president biden has one last meeting before issuing the recommendations. in a sign of how difficult this will be to get any of this passed in congress, he's meeting with democrats only today, no republicans. gun owners certainly think big change is coming. just look at the long lines at this florida gun show over the weekend. >> trying to get them while we still can. >> reporter: the gun control debate is heating up. >> i'm urging our major gun retailers in america, the

walmarts, the sports authorities, to voluntarily suspend sales of modern assault-style weapons. >> reporter: they spent the weekend working on the recommendations. they're expected to include strengthening background checks for all gun purchases. limiting the amount of bullets allowed in a magazine clip. and a ban on so-called assault weapons. it's an agenda that will pit the white house squarely against the nra. and its many supporters in congress. >> do you think that an assault weapons ban can pass congress? >> no. >> do you think it should? >> no. >> reporter: in fact, well over the congress, more than 288 members of congress have an "a" rating from the nra for opposing any or all gun control measures. one senator says gun control alone cannot be the answer. >> we have to change the culture of mass violence we have.

if you think it's only about guns, and that would change the culture, you would be wrong. >> reporter: white house officials tell me that the president will act quickly on vice president biden's recommendations. you can expect them to be a big part of the upcoming state of the union address. george? >> okay, jon, thanks. earlier, i spoke with jimmy greene, and nelda marquez-greene. along with another newtown parent. about the national promise. i began asking about their daughter, ana. >> she was full of life. full of love. she knew how to give the best hugs and the best kisses. and, you know, we look at her empty bed now and we're -- just overcome by the grief, and even a month out, it still hasn't lessened. the shock. we're bolstered by our faith in god, knowing where she is now.

we have so much support and love. and encouragement from family and friends. >> and ana would have loved that bow you're wearing in your hair today. >> she would have. she was kind, loving, smart, and she was also a fashionista. i'm wearing it for her today. >> you posted at christmas that you still sleep with her special blankets most nights in her bed. and you also promised her that you would do everything you can to make sure that kids everywhere are safe. that's really what today is all about. >> yes, it is. we're hoping that through sandy hook promise, we can bring awareness to issues and start a conversation, based on love and respect. >> tom, you helped put this whole initiative together, the sandy hook promise. which will be announced later this morning. tell us exactly what you hope to achieve and how you're going to do it. >> in events like this, people polarize.

they say you have to change this. i don't want to change that. immediately, you have two sides attacking each other. we want to talk to those people that want to have a conversation. we need a national conversation on what are the things that do need to change so that this doesn't happen again? we think it's holistic. it has to be a number of things. >> what is the most important thing that you want to see changed? >> there's several. i don't think it's wise to focus on one. we need to make our schools, streets, our malls, our public places safer. obviously, there needs to be a greater discussion on mental health and access to it. those are the main points of the conversation. but there's a lot that goes into this. focusing on one or the other won't be as effective, like tom said, taking a more holistic approach. >> i can see that ana is so deeply on your mind right now. what is your best memory of her? >> how passionate she was about loving god and loving people.

and i hope that that can be the legacy that we leave, that love wins. and that love will prevail in this. >> we all share that hope. thank you for coming in today. >> thank you. >> and our hearts are with all those families today. >> a tough, tough interview. let's get the weather from sam. >> and if you think we're making something out of this that we shouldn't be on the east coast, let me leave you with this stat. new hampshire, the temperature of 50 degrees on sunday was the warmest ever in january for that particular location. so, record warmth on the eastern seaboard. slowly, the colder temperatures move in. watch how they drop today through thursday. raleigh, you're on the slide. just about every place is getting into the colder temperatures. it's been an incredible run of warmth. and ahead of that will be some big rains. washington, nashville, atlanta, jackson, more than two to three inches of rain along the fronts.

also, need to check those airports. there's an awful lot of fog.

>> one more area of concern. that iciness from tyler, texas, to shreveport, louisiana. it's a little slippier out there. >> wow. don't go anywhere. in a few moments, we're going to be talking to robin live. with an announcement that you don't want to miss. it's been 138 days and coming. she cannot wait to share it with all of you. robin and her doctors ahead. >> cannot wait. also, it was ladies night at the golden globes. tina fey and amy poehler leaving everyone laughing. and lara with big backstage interviews. she'll have the complete wrap-up in just a few minutes. >> she's having some fun. >> she's having a lot of fun. don't go away. ets.

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so we're always ready. tyson grilled & ready chicken. no preservatives, 98% fat free, and fully cooked. we'll take care of dinner, you take care of everything else. ♪ with tasty grilled flavor and goodness to savor ♪ ♪ friskies grillers blend. ♪ feed the senses. >> now from abc7 news. good morning i am kristen sze. oakland city leaders will make a major announcement of a surge in violent crime. five people were hit in a drive-by shooting at seminary avenue and walnut street after ten other shootings in the city since friday. oakland vice mayor wants to declare a state of emergency, to clear the way for help from the state. the city council says the city

leaders took part in conference calls for an emergency plan. emergencies on the roadways. what going on traffic-wise? >> the peninsula is rough, kristen. the abc seven app shows a three car accident half an hour ago with traffic spotters reporting heavy traffic southbound from 380 toward the scene. other hot spot is southbound 680 where an early accident backed all the way to 242 and toward highway 4, south 680. >> how cold is it this morning?

>> welcome back, check out impending sunrise from our roof camera. it is clear and cold this morning. the temperatures show napa and novato in the 20's, and 32 in los gatos and the rest of us in the mid-to-upper 30's. keep the pets

[ cheers and applause ] a great crowd waving and smiling this morning because look up, right there. there she is. robin roberts! looking great. 138 days after her bone marrow transplant. and robin, you look so radiant this morning. you're all smiles. let's not wait a second longer. give us the big news. >> well -- i gotta tell you, george. i'm so happy to be sharing this news with everybody. i met with my doctors last week. my blood counts continue to improve. my beloved sister, sally-ann, my donor, her cells continue to make themselves at home in my body. and the big news is, that my last bone marrow aspiration, by the way, ouch. i lost count how many i have had. the last bone marrow test showed no abnormalities. the majority of the marrow is my sister's and it is healthy,

praise god. and what all this means, my doctors are waiting for this information to be able to tell me that i can begin the process of returning to the anchor chair. i'm coming home. >> all right, all right. okay, all right. coming -- what are we talking here, pal, what are we talking? >> well, josh, you know, it's like an athlete coming off of injured reserve. they don't go right back into the starting lineup. they go to practice, throw the ball, see how their body reacts. my fabulous doctors have come up with game plan for me. the process of reentry is, i got up at 4:00 this morning. i have to get back on "gma" time. get my body clock -- >> welcome back. >> that's one thing i have not missed, the alarm clock. next week, my doctors have me doing what we're calling a dry run. i'll get up, go to the studio,

have makeup and hair -- well, makeup, we'll talk about the hair part later. get dressed, get prepared for the show. i will not go on the air next week. my doctors want me to see how many people i actually come in contact with, how my body reacts to the stimulation -- a code word for "stress" -- of being back in the studio environment. after you all go off the air, i'll go on set. the lights. they don't tell you that you get a free chemical peel with every bone marrow transplant. my skin is very sensitive. we have to see how it reacts to studio lights. my vision is still a little blurry. that is the next step. >> robin, you look amazing on camera this morning. your weight is up a little bit. when do you get back to normal day-to-day routine for you? >> you looked great in your tux in las vegas, i was watching you.

but, what happens now is after i go through this dry run, my doctors will sit down with me again and we'll evaluate where i am. we're talking now, a matter of weeks, not months. i should be back some time in february. now i have a date in mind that's very personal and very important to me. but i will ultimately listen to what my doctors, of course what my doctors say and what they recommend. we have to remember, we're in the height of flu season. george. you'll talk to one of my doctors, gail, and rich, in a bit. >> robin, you have been champing at the bit. recovery takes so long. we have been e-mailing you. i said, watch "homeland." that's a great way to pass a lot of time. you must feel so excited to come back next week with the dry runs, just to get out of the house. >> there are so many emotions, elizabeth. and thank you, thank amy, i thank amy, all the talented,

funny guest hosts that we have had. you have been a joy to watch. and i appreciate what you have done and what everyone has done sitting in that chair. i can't thank you enough. >> it's been an honor. an honor to keep it warm for you. >> you're keeping it hot. what do you mean warm? you're keeping it hot. that's why i gotta come back. >> there you go. >> i'm excited. but i'm also -- there's a range of emotions. being so incredibly grateful. but i haven't been live on television since the end of august. my heart is beating so fast right now. but, you know what, it means i'm alive. i'm alive and i'm so grateful to be excited as i am. i can't wait to get back. >> robin, i send you greetings from l.a. and -- love and kisses from every single star at the golden globes made sure to say please,

tell robin we cannot wait to hear her news. we love her. let her know we're thinking about her. you need to know that you are just so loved and missed. and my question is, how soon until we can give you big hugs and kisses? >> well, i'm glad you're sending me your love. send me that great green necklace, send that, too, my way. i really like what you're wearing there. but, um -- it's going to take some time. it's going to take some time. we're going to do some elbow bumping. thank you for what you were saying about the people out in l.a. i have to say, i'm grateful to my doctors, my family there in the studio and at home, "gma" viewers -- your messages, your prayers, well wishes, have given me an enormous amount of strength and hope. and as i said, i'm just so incredibly grateful. we're going to take it step by step.

again, we're talking about weeks, not months, any longer. i'm listening to my doctors. i'm taking everything into account. this is the next step. i'm so excited to be sharing it with everyone. >> we're all excited, robin. you have gotten some of the best care in the world. we're going to talk to two of your doctors right now, dr. gail roboz and dr. richard besser. we heard so much from robin right now, gail, about where she is in her recovery. get a little more specific now. remind everybody, she looks fantastic right now. but this has not been easy. >> this has definitely not been easy. one of the most frustrating things is people say, oh, you've been out, you've been on vacation for the last few months. this is no vacation. this has been brutal. every day, taking 10 or 15 tablets. the whole day is focused on doctors and medications, whether or not you have enough energy to get out of bed and take a shower.

i think you can see from looking at robin how that has changed. >> what does that mean, no abnormalities in the blood? >> what we know now is we can't see any of the disease that prompted this whole process right now. right now, did we get rid of what we started out trying to get rid of? >> robin talked about it, rich. it is flu season. what kind of threat is is that and what kind of precautions does she need to take? >> her immune system is still rebuilding. she's at risk for getting the flu, colds. the elbow bumps she talks about are important. she can't get a flu shot yet. her body won't respond. >> it's not that it's dangerous. it just won't help that much. >> that's right. it's so important for other people to get it to protect her. so many people here at times square said this is the first year they got a flu shot and they got it for robin. >> robin's ahead of the curve. it's important for everyone to

know that. >> absolutely, she is doing wonderfully. there are many patients who, at this point after a transplant, are not at all having a conversation about going back to work, let alone the type of work she does. we're thrilled that she's doing so well. >> we all are, robin. i know you wanted to add one more but-in on this. >> thank you for asking. gail, i love you, sergio, your dream team. rich besser has been there all through the way. i'm glad you made that last point, gail. i hear from so many, many of your patients, too, about going through the process. it's different for everyone. in the words of jimmy valvano. jimmy v., don't give up, don't ever give up. this, too, shall pass. >> robin, that's a great message. you have to get tuned up. let's have you take out to

weather. >> oh, i -- whoo. i'm a little out of practice. the handsome sam champion now with the weather. sam? >> that is amazing. robin roberts. thank you very much. it is -- everybody -- [ cheers and applause ] does that feel good? instead of this close, we're this close. let's get to the boards. we got one or two things going on. we want to talk about fog. our own ron claiborne sent us pictures of the fog in baltimore. today, it's in new york city. the heaviest we have been able to find. raleigh, 70 degrees today. jacksonville, 79. 58 in washington, d.c. the colder air will slide to the east. here's where the cold air is now. look at the freeze warnings and

>> that felt so good. i haven't done this in a long time. all that weather was brought you to by walgreens. >> thank you, sam. >> she's coming back. it's ladies night. teeny and amy stealing the show at the golden globes. lara backstage had big interviews with adele, claire danes, and so much more. plus, get ready to jump-start your january with fixing your finances. what you need to know about your money to start cashing in right now. money to start cashing in right now. yof "i'm a new parent" and "i have no idea what i'm doing," you need a hand. well, walgreens is innovating to help. by making prescription refills this easy. and we're bringing our pharmacists out front to answer your questions.

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♪ i'm on the edge of glory back now with more on the golden globes from here in los angeles. they were great, co-hosts and best friends, tina fey and amy poehler were great. they set the tone for a raucous girls night out. they are comedy's newest golden girls. >> the hunger games was one of the biggest films of the year. and the six weeks it took me to get into this dress. >> reporter: tina fey and amy poerl. >> you know what, taylor swift, you stay away from michael j. fox's son. >> reporter: stealing the show.

>> amy poerl, "parks and recreation." >> reporter: and adele taking home the globe for skyfall. we saw you give daniel craig a high five. >> he's so nice. >> reporter: and jessica chase tan and "homeland's" claire danes. >> how wias it? >> it was amazing. >> reporter: including hbo's show that took home vel bigs comedy and was the life of the backstage party. lena dunham bunny-hopped over to us after the win. >> we love our jobs so much. >> we can't believe this is happening to us. >> reporter: fey and poehler killing. >> just enough of dirty, naughty

zblabs there to make it spicy. >> reporter: julianne moore thanked fey and katie couric. cool to be thanked by you. >> i did my research. the thing about tina and katie. >> reporter: it was great night to be a new mom. does that change the way you see life and situations like this now that you're a mom? >> i'm a bit more ambition. legacy. it's my first role, isn't it, being a mum? >> reporter: jessica chastain's dade? her grandma. >> i'm so proud. >> reporter: all in all, star-studded girl's night out. it's good to be a girl. >> great to be a girl, thank you. >> a really great moment. i just finished speaking with the cast of girls. daniel day lewis walked over to them saying, he loves the show. who knew? they erupted. it set the tone for the rest of

the night backstage. allison williams, looking gorgeous. we're going talk about fashion coming up on "good morning america." ♪ ♪ for ages 3 and up the everyday collection. by target. with fancy feast mornings gourmet cat food. (announcer) make mornings special, mornings are delicious protein rich entrees with garden veggies and egg. fancy feast mornings. the best ingredient is love. your financial advisor should focus on your long-term goals, not their short-term agenda. [ male announcer ] join the nearly 7 million investors

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>> now, from abc7 news. >> good morning. i am kristen sze. an audit shows san francisco muni wracked up more overtime than any other city agency going $18 million overtime, with one mechanic doubling his saturday making an additional $163,000 in overtime alone. >> our meteorologist, mike nicco, right there. hello, there. you have the forecast? it is cold? >> it is cold, a reminder for people in the north bay and east bay and santa clara valley to keep the pets in and planted protected until 9:00. sunshine and temperatures in the low-to-mid 50's and warmer this

weekend. >> caltrain experiencing northbound train delays because of a late departure by train 215 and no other mass transit. slow southbound and northbound 680.

♪ [ cheers and applause ] and a happy crowd out there this times square this morning. let's go all the way across the coast. lara is there in los angeles for the golden globes. she'll have all the red carpet headlines coming up. we're calling it plemiracle monday. robin coined it that. she joined us from home. shared all the latest on her recovery and plans to return. >> we're talking now matter of weeks, not months. i should be back some time in february. [ cheers and applause ] >> how great is that news? great to have elizabeth right now. >> i can't wait to welcome her back. that will be fantastic day in times square. tlths also in the studio

this morning, a very -- [ cheers and applause ] >> interesting part. an enthusiastic crowd as well. that briefcase has a lot of cash inside. >> that's the money you wanted. >> now we're talking. all week long, we're jump-starting your january with fixing your finances. now get it, money. where to spend it, that money. and this morning, how to keep it. we're going to introduce you to a woman who is an extreme saver. and one lucky member of our gorgeous audience is about to get the chance to enter -- [ cheers and applause ] well, enter that "gma" money booth, take home they'll can grab in 30 seconds. we're going to pick towards the end of it? so. >> exciting. >> exciting. >> for all the money. all $7 of it. >> all $7. >> there's more than $7 in there. >> number one, number 11.

number 11. you will be competing. all right. >> that's great. come on over. >> who else, sammy? >> do i get to -- i'm not looking, i'm not look. okay, here we go, josh. who is it? >> it's number 17! >> number 17. >> all right. so one of those two, headed into the money booth to grab the $7 in the booth. >> everybody's feeling good this monday morning. i have to tell you, good news. those folks got good news. how about miss america. what a weekend in las vegas, ladies and gentlemen. i gotta tell you. and your 2013, there she is, gorgeous, they all are gorgeous and smart. this one, this one, you are going to love. i'm telling you, miss new york, now miss america, mallory hagen is here in the studio. >> how was it? spent the week, how was it? >> an amazing opportunity. i loved the judges and the young women competing.

i'm so proud of uplifting this whole competition to being current now for young women in america. >> it was a great night. ahead, we have more news on britney spears. she's had a big couple of weeks here. leaving one hit show, breaking up with her fiance. the superstar splitting. what is next for her? >> how are we fitting that into 57 minutes? >> i don't know. we begin the morning with the battle over reducing gun violence. the national rifle association claims it has enough support in congress to block any new law that could ban assault weapons. vice president biden is set to release the findings of the gun task force this morning. maryland, the governor there, wants to ban assault weapons and have birs provide fingerprints with a background

check. today marks one month since the shooting of sandy hook elementary. residents met sunday to consider the future of the school building itself. should they keep it, tear it down, or demolish only the area where the victims died? another hearing on the matter is scheduled for this friday. it appears the u.s. is getting involved in a new fight against al qaeda. the pentagon is expected to lend support to french troops in africa. also today, lance armstrong says he will answer oprah winfrey's questions honestly and dan candidly. he's expected to offer a limited confession to using performance-enhancing drugs. it's said to be part of his attempt to rehabilitate his image. an elderly man hit the gas instead of the brake pedal.

the suv crashed through the wall behind the cash register. the clerk injured but not seriously. here's diane sawyer with a preview of tonight's "world news." >> are you ready for real money? we're going to show you insider tricks. how you can save more than $1,000 on your family's cell phone bill. $1,000. be sure to watch tonight. speaking of $1,000. that is how much that was being offered far halftime, shoot it from half court shot. a hawks fan trying to make it. $1,000 on the line. this actually happened. we have not manipulated the video at all. it's up. and it sticks. >> what? >> listen. >> no way. >> i watched this thing -- i watched it 25 times. it did exactly that. speaking of 1,000, he could do

that 1,000 more times and -- he could do it 10,000 more times. >> but did he win the money? >> he won the money. >> yeah! >> huzzah! unbelievable. >> i think you have too much time on your hands, josh. >> watching that 1,000 times. let's go los angeles. lara has some "pop news." nothing is popping as much this morning as the great news from robin roberts. here's what else is going on. justin timberlake bringing sexy back to music. release b his first new solo song in almost six years. "suit & tie" was released at midnight. it's already number one. he has good comedy chops. he's a renaissance man. a hand in fashion line, home furnishing business,

restaurants, and he also owns a piece of myspace. maybe it's love that inspired him to make sweet music again. he married his sweetheart, jessica biel, a few months ago. full album expected to be released this spring. it was new moms night out at the golden globes. claire danes who won best actress stunned in a versace gown. her 1-month-old cyrus was boring and was waiting upstairs for her. at her first awards show since having her baby, adele thanked her baby boy. megan fox also turning heads, stepping out in an armani gown, just three months -- that is unbelievable -- after welcoming noah to the world. a gorgeous night in so many ways. we'll have a lot more on the

gowns and the jewels in a moment. but, we want to focus on the hot new look. the question, i guess it is, what are you wearing on your nails? we saw so many celebs sporting creative nail gels. adele had gold fingers. kelly osbourne wore her heart on her digits. it's a fun new accessory. give me a ding. they nailed it. thank you very much. and now, finally, it's our "pop quiz" which superstar couple recently got engaged. one hint for you. he's really funny. she's really gorgeous. we'll tell you when we come back. for now, back to you all in new york. >> can't wait to have you back. looks like it was great night. now we have to get some weather from sam. hey, good morning, everybody. let it out, times square. and you know, i hate to brag.

i hate to brag. actually, i don't hate to brag. where lara is, it's 35 in l.a. it's 57, 57 right now in new york. i don't hate to brag at all. we'll show you what is going on on the eastern seaboard. here's where the rain lights up. the atlanta area, about a foot below normal in the rainfall. they'll pick up rain today. they need all the rain they can get. the heaviest north of the city. nashville. washington, d.c., raleigh as well in the rain. some will get three inches of soaking rain. it does warm up los angeles. las vegas, just in time for me to leave, thank you very much. you get into the milder air. today, 58 is where we're going in l.a. san antonio, about 52. the cold blast starts to swing east. watch the icy zones there. from memphis all the way into probably shreveport,

>> what do you thing, guys? are we bragging? let's brag. it's 57 here right now. let's go back to where? >> all: lara! >> wow. thank you so much. warmer in new york than l.a. not fair. hey, here's a look at what is coming up on our "gma" morning menu. all the fashion hits, the strends, maybe a miss or two from the golden globes head

carpet. plus one of these lucky people is about to enter our "gma" money booth. how much cash can they grab in 30 seconds? how cool is that? also in the new, britney spea spearss' big breakup. coming up live on "good morning america." [ female announcer ] introducing coffee-mate natural bliss. ♪ made with only milk... cream... a touch of sugar... and pure natural flavors. ♪ who knew being natural could be so delicious? coffee-mate natural bliss. from nestle. add your flavor naturally.

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which superstar couple recently got engage fpd answer, funny man jason sudeikis and olivia wilde. they have been together since november, 2011. congratulations. >> mazel tov. >> that is good news. la lara, i know you're standing by to give the insights on fashion faux pas and good news as well. we want to bring in rachel smith first. on the red carpet all night long >> reporter: before the envelopes were opened, the stars kicked off a night of excitement. are you going to be busting out? >> i can do a little bit of jungle love. >> reporter: halle berry is behind you. mow you're might want to hang around. >> she's pretty. >> reporter: a little by crooked.

>> it's hand-tie. i hand-tied it. >> reporter: it was hollywood's fashion runway. jennifer lawrence wowed in haute couture. and julianna margulies wowed. a whole lot of sequins. hayden panettiere and connie britton looked like they each got the beige memo. >> we did not coordinate. >> look how perfectly coordinated we are. we didn't even discuss it. >> reporter: some couture, shockingly comfy. >> over the head. no zirppers. >> reporter: the nails. what about the clutches? what do they squeeze into them? >> nothing. i have a kleenex, a lipstick,

and a cough drop. >> reporter: and a speech? >> no. >> this is my lib stick. >> reporter: do i see band aids in there? >> dom me if you need a band aid. >> put your phones in here, whatever. keep a sandwich. >> reporter: what's in the pocket? >> i do have a mint. >> reporter: that is goaden. dpl is that gold? >> and thank you. >> and that was it. >> reporter: whatever the secrets to the red carpet style, one thing for certain. you have to bring your "a" game, don't you? >> this is the old west of fashion. >> the hottest ladies wowed last night. here the talk about it, suze yalof schwartz and brad g goretzky. can i brag a little bit. you dressed two of my personal

favorites. stacykeibler, wow. >> thank you very much. >> and jessica alba. t >> the two of them together, i almost exploded. what is that she's wearing on her neck? >> that was harry winston diamond necklace that the value was $5.6 million. >> oh, wow. >> needless to say, my hands were shaking. >> she had the accessory you didn't see, a security guard nearby. i want to start with suzy. you noticed, i saw is a lot of it. a lot of women took the plunge. >> deep plunge. think katharine mcphee dominated the sexy category last night. she was unbelievable. how she kept those breasts up and out was perfect. i love that skin. and i love the kate hudson dress, amazing. >> i loved her look.

>> i liked the bold beaded detailing by alexander mcqueen. the cutout was so simple. >> another way where we saw a lot of skin was -- well, let me tell you somebody i liked. jessica chastain. she was plunging in the front and the back. that was another trend. i went backless, too. we saw a lot of that. is that surprising? >> there was a loft plunging necklines. i loved the color against her hair. it was calvin klein collection. and allison williams looked supershe sup sup superchic. she had the double. the front and the back. >> i like the surprise, the peekaboo. to have the two angles is great. >> i think the bare back is beautiful. i want to ask you. what do you think about the colors of the night?

>> well, as i was watching, i tweeted right away, red, red, red. red was the big color of the night. so many of the stars were wearing it. jennifer garner. we had jennifer lawrence. marion cotillard. zooey deschanel. jennifer garner and jennifer lawrence look sod gorgeous. zbrern lawrence, fit to perfection. harking back to the old days of christian dior. >> it was va-va-voom. >> stacy keep libler looked gren armani prive. >> i love the gold detailing.

>> and stacy, we kept modern and cool. >> you got to go to george's house. i just have visions of, like, cocktails and very cool. >> stacy is an absolute dream. i've had fun working with her. >> we have a couple more, the cutouts. the backless. there was so many great dresses. >> all agreed, thumbs up? >> glamour, glamour is the name of the game. the girms are bring it. >> and sex. sexy, sexy, sexy. >> oh, suzy. so great to have you here and hear your perspective. the hits, misses, haul that stuff, go the goodmorningamerica.com on yahoo!. >> we have all been weighing in. it's been fun for us. thank you, lara. now we switch gears. we're jump-starting your january all month long. this week, it's all about money.

we're revealing the secrets of some big savers. >> reporter: here's joanny. she spent years of perfecting the art of purchasing for less. as a mom of seven, she's had to. she's been featured on "extreme couponing." the ohio resident says she saves thousands a month using tried and true tips. >> i have gotten $2500 this year. >> reporter: $2500 back in cash? >> in cash. >> reporter: tip number one, when you buy online, use a shopping portal, like ebates. you can get a cash rebate. second tip, give yourself a gift. cards. some stores give points toward free gas for ever dollar you

spend. load up on gift cards for stores you plan to shop any way. >> last christmas, we purchased so many gift cards that we didn't have to purchase gas for up to three months. >> reporter: use coupons after you buy? new smartphone apps allow you the get coupon savings after you buy something. >> i have earned $48 in my paypal account. >> reporter: take a picture of the receipt. i'm going to get cash back. shop sites that buy back returned merchandise. joanie likes sar dipty. >> i think that is a win-win. >> reporter: and joanie says, keep looking for new ideas. she follows money-saving blogs to find the best places to use coupo coupons. >> most people with save 50% by

following a blog. >> reporter: finally, she gives back. she's able to donate what she doesn't need to local charities and families in need all by stretching a dollar. >> any savings big or small is just that, a savings. >> reporter: for "good morning america," amy robach, abc news, new york. time now for our big game, determining who gets to head into the "gma" money booth to grab all they can. it's called -- >> "money." tell us about yourself, julie? >> lakewood, california, i'm a mom. >> i'm from louisiana and am an executive assistant. >> away we go. hands on buzzers please. on average, when feeding family of four, how much you to save by making a homemade roast chicken dinner rather than hitting a fast food joint? is it arvegs, it doesn't save

money. b, about $15 5. c, about $14. >> quickly. >> go. >> "c." >> the answer is "c." >> we have a winner. step on over. are you ready? how much time on the clock? 30? oh, no -- we're going draw this out longer. you think you get to grab the cash. but you don't. when we come back. first -- we'll be right back. ladies and gentleman, britney spears is coming, inside the superstar split. and the newly crowned miss america. we'll be right back. >> yes, we will.

>> now from abc7 news. >> good morning, i am kristen sze. oakland city leaders will make a major announcement of a surge in violent crime. last night five were hit in a drive-by shooting. it comes on top of ten shootings in the city since friday. oakland vice mayor wants to declare a state of emergency to clear the way for help from the state. the city council says city leaders nuclear part in a conference call to get an emergency plan. the morning commute, now, with sue hall. >> update, caltrain, all trains, northbound and southbound, up to 20-minute delay because of mechanical problems. no other transit problems. we have slow traffic northbound 680 with an accident near stone valley up through san ramon and alamo area. >> our

>> good morning, i am meteorologist filling in for mike nicco, a chilly and clear start this morning. temperatures are below freezing in santa rosa and napa. san francisco is milder at 40 degrees. the freeze warnings are in effect for the next half hour. today, temperatures are climbing into the low 50's with the exception antioch. kristen? >> stay

[ cheers and applause ] happy monday crowd out there in times square. you see lara there. she's been up almost all night, out in l.a., covering the golden globes. first josh, give way the money. >> it's a big moment. lydia is entering the money booth. you have 30 seconds. you keep everything you grab. are you ready? >> i am ready. >> are you really ready? okay, get in. all right, can i have 30 seconds on the clock, please. on your mark, get set, go. >> this is funny. >> go! go! go! [ cheers and applause ] >> 15 seconds.

get it all. get it all. [ cheers and applause ] >> seven, six, five, four, three, two, one. okay. [ buzzer sounds ] >> i think she cleaned us out. i love you. i love you. >> come on out. it's good. >> love it. i think she totally cleaned us out. yeah. >> oh, thank you! oh, that's fun. >> i think it's fair to say that was a breakneck 30 seconds. how was it? >> it was fun. >> after lydia, a new rule, you must wear only a swim suit. they're not going to let "gma" lose haul that cash, never again. >> a coat? >> we'll have it totalled by the show's end.

that's a lot of money to count. well done, lydia! well done. >> someone else who is having a great day is our brand new miss america. we'll talk to mallory hytes hagan when she comes in this morning. oh, there she is! i wrote on the note, sassy. we'll show you why. >> also, anthony bourdain is here with a sneak peek at his new show. he'll have three of his all-time favorite dishes. he's always very interesting. we love having him here. >> i want to sea lydia's money total is gestating right now. also, a very, very big announcement about "gma" live, starting this morning, 15 minutes earlier. 9:00 a.m. eastern standard, every day. see it anytime on goodmorningamerica.com on

gentleman h yahoo!. time to head back to the left coast and lara. >> thank you, josh. such a good time in the studio today. great night in l.a. so many stars of the big and small screens, rubbing shoulders on one of the most glamorous nights of the year. the globes is known as the party awards show. you could tell that backstage. the stars really let loose. take a look. who did i miss? what did i miss? hi. this is insane. congratulations. >> thank you. >> reporter: does it almost feel like a dream? >> it's just like, and you know, it's weird. i don't know any of them. the grammys, i get star-chuck, but they're kind of my peers. >> reporter: who were you most excited to meet tonight? >> julianne moore. >> reporter: what sit about the globes? >> it's not a big room. we're packed in there. i sat down, kept knocking into my hair do. >> reporter: is there a lot of that? >> there is. there is. you know, you can't walk a meter

without encountering some massive tub of champagne. which i'm being very careful about. because i have date with my son in about you know, four minutes. >> reporter: now what happens? do you celebrate tonight? are you thinking about the other show coming down the pike? >> no, no. not tonight. >> reporter: just celebrating? >> we're going to go celebrate. >> reporter: oh, yes, the fight went late. celebrating. but it is time now think about the other awards show. next stop, oscars. elizabeth? >> oscars indeed. thank you, lara. now turning to the other news. the big breakup of britney spears. her and her fiance, jason trawick called off the engagement. what went wrong? what is next? ♪ all eyes on us

♪ all eyes on us >> reporter: it appears britney spears may have something big up her sleeve. she's reportedly this talks the headline her own las vegas show. a potentially lucrative deal reported to top the $10 million a year celine dion brings in. it could be some much-needed good news for spears. this morning, that steamy romance with jason trawick seen in her video, is over. >> she wanted to spend every second with him. jason wanted to hang out with his friends and pursue other business endeavors. >> reporter: "people" magazine says the relationship became frustrating. the mother of two you

deep into the showdown on big issues. looking ahead to next confrontation over the debt limit, that's hidden in a month. the president will take questions on gun control. we're month away from the sandy hook shooting. ahead of vice president biden's reports on his recommendations to prevent gun violence. >> that's right. tomorrow, it will happen, jonathan karl is there at the white house. you're in the east room, jon, right? >> that's right, here in the east room, you can expect diane, the president will lay down a very strong marker on that issue

of the debt ceiling. will it hit of how much it can borrow. the president says that congress must raise it. he will not negotiate. it's their responsibility. that puts the president squarely at odds with the president. they'll demand spending cuts before raising that ceiling. the president will not engage in negotiates, period. it's simply congress's responsibility to act. >> he's ruled out any unilateral work-around. an element of here we go again. >> it certainly does. so many times, back in august 2011, again, just before the end of this year, the president in pa major confrontation with congress over fiscal issues, taxes and spending and debt. >> you're looking at the door slightly ajarred to the green room, right next to the east room, and the president has been gathering there, we noticed that

he postponed this press conference a couple of times this morning. a few delays. >> supposed to be around 11:15. we're almost half-hour after that. not quite. the president could face questions about personnel in the second term. he's facing a big fight with his nominee over chuck hagel. lot of republicans senators with questions, he also have a big vacancy right now, diane, that's his white house chief of staff. now that he's appointed jack lew to be secretary of treasury. >> first term ending. you wonder if there will be an element of reflection? whatever the honeymoon is usually you get if you're a new president. this is unhoneymoon that he's been facing. now, here's the president. good morning.

i thought it might make sense to take some questions this week as my first term comes to an end. it's been a busy and productive four years. and i expect the same for the next four years. i intend to carry out the agenda that i campaigned on. agenda for new jobs, new opportunities and new security for the middle class. right now, our economy is growing. and our businesses are creating new jobs. so, we are poised for a good year. if we make smart decisions and sound investments. and as long as washington politics don't get in the way of america's progress. as i said on the campaign, one component to growing our economy and broadening opportunities for the middle class is shrinking deficits in a balanced and responsible way. and for nearly two years now, i have been fighting for such a plan. one that would reduce our deficits by $4 trillion over the

next decades. which would stabilize our debt and deficit in a sustainable way for the next decade. that would be enough not only to stop the growth of our debt relative to the size of our economy but it would make it manageable so that it does not crowd out the investments we need to make in people, education, job training, science, medical research. step by step, we made progress towards that goal. over the past two years, i have signed into law about $1.4 trillion in spending cuts. two weeks i signed into law more than $600 billion in new revenue by making sure the wealthiest americans begin to pay their fair share. when you add the money that will save in interest payments on the debt, altogether that adds up to a total of $2.5 trillion in deficit reduction over the past two years. not counting the $400 billion

already saved from winding down the wars in iraq and afghanistan. so, we have made progress. we are moving towards our ultimate goal of getting to $4 trillion reduction. and there will be more deficit reduction when congress decides what to do with the $1.2 trillion in automatic spending cuts that have been pushed off into next month. the fact is, we can't finish the job of deficit reduction through spending cuts alone. the cuts we have already made to priorities other than medicare social security and defense, means that we spend on everything from education to public safety, less as a share of our economy than it has -- than has been true for a generation. and that's not a recipe for growth. so, we've got to do both to

stabilize our finances over the longterm but spur more growth in the short term. i have said, i'm opened to making modest adjustments to programs like medicare to protect them for future generations. i also said that we need more revenue through tax loopholes. if we combine a balanced package of savings from spending on health care and revenues from closing loopholes, we can solve the deficit issue without sacrificing our investments in things like education that are going to help us grow. turns out that the american people agree with me. they listened to an entire year's debate on this issue and they made a clear decision about the approach they prefer. they don't think it's fair to ask a senior to pay more for his or her health care.

they don't think it's smart to protect endless loopholes for the wealthiest americans rather than rebuild our roads and schools. they want us to get our books in order in a balanced way, where everybody pulls their weight, everyone does their part. that's what i want as well. that's what i propose. and we can get it done. but we'll have to make sure that people are looking at this in a responsible way. rather than just through the lens of politics. now, the other congressionally imposed deadline coming up is the so-called debt ceiling. some americans hadn't even heard of before two years ago. i want to be clear about this. the debt ceiling is not a question of authorizing more spending.

raising the debt ceiling does not authorize more spending. it simply allows the country to pay for spending that congress has already committed to. these are bills that have already been racked up. and we need to pay them. so while i'm willing to compromise and find common ground over how to reduce our deficit, america can't afford another debate with this congress whether or not they should pay the bills they already racked up. if congressional republicans refuse to pay america's bills on time, social security checks and veterans benefits will be delayed. we might not be able to pay our troops and honor our contracts with small business owners. food inspectors, air traffic controllers, wouldn't get their paychecks. invest ors around the world will

ask if america is a safe bet? markets could go haywire, interest rates would spike. every student can a college loan, every small business owner who wants to hire, it would be a self-inflicted wound on the economy. it would slow down our growth, might tip us into a recession. and ironically would probably increase our deficit. so, even to entertain the idea of this happening of the united states of the america not paying its bills is irresponsible. it's absurd. agsz the speaker said two years ago, it would be and i'm quotings speaker boehner now, a financial disaster not only for us but for the worldwide economy. so, we got to pay our bills. republicans in congress have two choices here, they could act

responsibly and pay america's bills. or they could act irresponsibly and put america through another economic crisis. but they will not collect a ransom for not crashing the american economy. the financial well-being of the american people is not leveraged to be used. the full faith and credit of the united states of america, is not a bargaining chip. and they better choose quickly because time is running short. last time republicans in congress even flirted with this idea, our triple a credit rating was downgraded. our businesses created the f fewest jobs in any months. and the whole fiasco actually added to the deficit. so, it shouldn't be surprising given all of this talk that people think washington is hurting rather than helping the

country at the moment. they see their representatives consumed with partisan brink man ship while they want us to focus on growing the economy and creating more jobs. let's finish this debate. let's give our businesses and the world the certainty that our economy and our reputation are still second to none. we pay our bills, we handle our business. and then we can move on, because america has a lot to do. we got to create more jobs, we got to boost the wages that they have worked. we got to reach for energy dependence. we got to give our children the best education possible and do everything we can to protect them from the hordes of gun violence. i'm grateful to vice president biden for his work on this issue of gun violence. and for his proposals can which i'm going to be reviewing today and i'll address in the next few days. and i intend to vigorously

pursue. so, with that, i'll take some questions. i'm going to start with julia pace of ap. i want to congratulate julie for this new, important job. >> i want to ask about gun violence, today marks the one-month anniversary of the shooting in newtown, which seemed to generate some momentum for reenstating the ban of the assault weapons ban. given that, how hard will you push an assault weapons ban and if one cannot pass congress, what other measures would need to be included to curb gun violence successfully. >> as i said, vice president and a number of members of my cabinet, meeting with a lot of stake holders in this, including the nra, listened to proposals

from all quarters. and they presented me now with a list of sensible, common sense steps that can be take on the make sure that the kind of violence that we saw in newtown won't happen again. i'll be meeting with the vice president today. i expect to have a fuller presentation later in the week. to give people some specifics about what i think we need to do. my starting point is not to worry about the politics. my starting point is to focus on what makes sense. what works. what should we be doing to make sure our children are safe. that we're reducing the incidents of gun violence and i think we can do that in a sensible way that comports with the second amendment. and then members of congress, i think they'll have to have a debate and examine their own conscience, because, if in fact, and i believe that this is true,

everybody across party lines was deeply moved and saddened as i was by what happened in newtown. then, we'll have to vote based on what we think is best. we'll have to come up with answers that set politics aside. and that's what i expect congress to do. but, what you can count on is that the things that i have said in the past the belief that we have to have stronger background checks, we can do a much better job in terms of keeping these magazine clips with high capacity out of the hands of folks who shouldn't have them, an assault weapons ban that's meaningful, those are things that i can continue to believe makes sense. will all of them get through this congress? i don't know. but, what's upper most in my

mind is making sure that i'm honest with the american people and members of congress with what i think will work, something that will make a difference and to repeat what i said earlier, if there is a step that we can take that will save even one child from what happened in newtown, we should take that step. i'll present the details later in the week. >> chuck todd, nbc. >> as you know, the senator democrats harry reid sent you a letter, begging you enessenti enessentially to take consider some kind of executive order on the debt ceiling issue. your administration has ruled out the various ideas that have been out this. this morning, one of the house democratic leaders asked you to use the 14th amendment.

he compared the debt ceiling to that. are you considering a plan "b." and if not, why not? >> well, chuck, the issue here is whether or not america pays its bills. we are not a deadbeat nation. and, so, there's a very simple solution to this. congress authorizes us. to pay our bills. now, if the house and the senate want to give me the authority so they they don't have to take these tough votes, if they want to put the responsibility on me to raise the debt ceiling, i'm happy to take it. mitch mcconnell, the republican

leader in the senate had a proposal like that last year and i'm happy to accept it. but, if they want to keep this responsibility, then they need to go ahead and get it done. and, you know, there are no magic tricks here, there are no loopholes. there are no -- you know, easy outs. this is a matter of congress authorizes spending. they order me to spend. they tell me, you need to fund our defense department at such and such a level. you need to send out social security checks. you need to make sure that you're paying to care for our veterans. they lay this all out for me and because they have the spending power. and so, i am required by law, to go ahead and pay these bills. separately, they also have to

authorize the raising of the debt ceiling to make sure those bills are paid. so what congress can't do is, tell me to spend "x" and then say, but we're not going to give you the authority to go ahead and pay the bills. and i just want to repeat, because i think sometimes the american people understandably aren't following all of the debates here in washington, raising the debt ceiling does not authorize us to spends more. all it does is say, that america will pay its bills. and we are not a deadbeat nation. and the consequences of us not paying our bills as i outlined in my opening statement would be disastrous. so, i understand the impulse to try to get around this in a simple way. but there's one way to get around this and that is for congress to authorize me to pay

for those items of spending that they have already authorized. and you know, the notion that republicans in the house or maybe some republicans in the senate would suggest that in order for us to get our way on our spending priorities, that we would risk the full faith and credit of the united states, that i think, is not what the founders intended. that's not how i think most americans think our democracy should work. they've got a point of view. democrats in congress have a point of view. they need to sit down. and work out a compromise. yeah.

well, look, chuck, there are -- there's a pretty straightforward way of doing this and that is to set the debt ceiling aside, we pay our bills and then we have a vigorous debate about how we're going to do further deficit reduction in a responsible way. as we heard from some republicans in both the house and the senate is that they will only increase the debt ceiling by the amount of spending cuts. that they're able to push through. and in order to replace the automatic spending cuts through sequester. it takes another trillion or 1.2

trillion to get us through one more year. they'll have to identify $2.5 trillion in cuts just to get the debt ceiling extended to next year. 2$2.5 trillion. congress hasn't been able to identity $1.2 trillion in cuts. they don't want to cut defense, they claim they don't want to gut medicare or harm the vulnerable, but the truth of the matter is, you can't meet their own criteria without drastically cutting medicare or having an impact onicaid or affecting the defense spending. here's what would work, we have already done close to $2

trillion in deficit reduction. if you add the interest that we won't be paying because of less spending, and increased revenue, it adds up to about $2.5 trillion. the consensus is we need about $4 trillion to stabilize our debt and deficit. the package that i offered to speaker boehner before we -- before the new year would achieve that. we're actually fairly close at arriving at that number. so, if the goal is to make sure that we are being responsible about our debt and deficit, if that's the conversation we're having, i'm happy to have that conversation and by closing some additional loopholes through tax reform which speaker boehner has acknowledged to raise money in a sensible way, and doing

additional cuts, including, making sure we're reducing our health care spending, which is the main driver of our deficits, we can arrive at a package that get this done. i'm happy to have that conversation mp i will not have that negotiation with a gun at the head of the american people the threat, unless we get our way, unless you gut medicare or medicaid or, you know, otherwise slash things that the american people don't believe should be slashed, that we're going to threaten to wreck the entire economy. that is not how historically this has been done. and that's not how we're going to do it this time. [ inaudible ] >> chuck, what i'm saying to you is that there is no simpler solution, no ready, credible solution other than congress,

either give me the authority to raise the debt ceiling or exercise the responsibility that they have kept for themselves and raise the debt ceiling. because this is about paying your bills. everybody, everybody here understands this. this is not a complicated concept. you don't go out to dinner and then, you know, eat all you want and then leave without paying the check. and if you do, you're breaking the law. and congress is -- should think about it the same way that the american people do. now, if congress wants to have a debate maybe we shouldn't go out to dinner the next time, maybe we should go to a more modest restaurant, that's fine. that's a debate that we should have, but you don't say, in order for me to